THE GRAPE VARIETY WE CALL PINOTG HAS BEEN KNOWN IN EUROPE SINCE THE MIDDLE AGES, CHIEFLY MAKING ITS HOME IN THE ALSACE REGION OF NORTH-EASTERN FRANCE AND IN NORTHERN ITALY

There are also large plantings in Germany and it is grown in Austria, Switzerland and many other central and eastern European countries. More recently, it has attracted interest in the USA, New Zealand and here in Australia.

Traditionally, the styles produced in northern Italy and Alsace have been very different. The Italian wines (labeled Pinot Grigio) have tended to be crisp and zesty, while the Alsatian wines (labeled Pinot Gris) have been luscious and rich in texture.

Tastes are changing

In recent times, many Pinot Grigio wines have become richer, somewhat like the Alsatian wines, while not all Pinot Gris wines are being made in the classic voluptuous style. Now it’s quite easy to confuse some Alsatian wines with those from Italy, and vice versa.

In Australia, both varietal names are used on labels and many of our wines combine the attributes of both the traditional styles, in various proportions.

If that’s not confusing enough, the variety has other synonyms including Malvoisie and Auxerrois Gris in France, Grauburgunder and Grauer Mönch in Germany, and Ruländer in Austria.

You can see why we wanted to help you make sense of the wines from this wonderful grape variety.